Police warn dangerous school run parking will be penalised

Stratford Editorial 22nd Feb, 2016Updated: 28th Oct, 2016

INCONSIDERATE parents who are putting children’s lives at risk could be made to pay.

Police say drivers are increasingly parking on yellow zig-zag lines and near to junctions during school pick-ups and drop-offs. They maintain it is not only dangerous but also causes obstructions for other motorists.

A police spokesman said: “Yellow zig-zags lines are placed outside school entrances to keep them clear, improve visibility and increase safety for pedestrians and drivers.

“Driving too fast, in a hurried or stressed state, desperately looking for a place to park is a sure way to end up having a crash or knocking someone down.

“If people take their time, arrive earlier, park a little further away and walk the last part of their journey, they will ultimately feel less stressed and be safer.”

Officers are also concerned some youngsters are not wearing seatbelts on the journey to and from school while others are not using an appropriate child seat.

And they say those who continue to flout the law may be penalised.

He added: “All children up to 135cm (4ft 5in) must be sat in a booster seat or on a booster cushion and everyone must wear a seatbelt.

“However there are some parents who do not abide by these rules and are compromising the safety of their children.

“We work closely with schools, residents and policing partners to address parking issues and educate drivers on how to improve their driving around schools.

“The police will issue penalty tickets for drivers breaking the law and this includes those not wearing seatbelts or being appropriately seated.”

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